What biomass briquettes offer industry compared with coal, and the official Government of India source behind each point. We do not claim anything we cannot source.
Indian coal generally carries 25–45% ash. BBI white coal is made from agricultural residue and sawdust and is tested at below 10% ash (typically 2–8% depending on feedstock, per our batch lab report). Less ash means less grate cleaning, less disposal and fewer shutdowns.
Indian thermal coal grades G-11 and G-12 span 3700–4300 Kcal/kg. BBI white coal is specified at 3800–4200 Kcal/kg, so it sits in the same range. Compare on cost per unit of heat, not per kg — our calculator does this with your own prices.
Source: Ministry of Coal — Coal Grades
Coal at about 4,000 Kcal/kg emits roughly 1.55 kg of CO₂ per kg burned (CEA: 92.5 gCO₂/MJ on a GCV basis). Under IPCC accounting, CO₂ from burning biomass is reported separately and is not counted in energy-sector totals; methane and nitrous oxide are still counted. This is a reporting rule, not a claim of zero emissions.
Source: Central Electricity Authority — CO2 Baseline Database v16.0 (2021) · IPCC 2006 Guidelines, Vol. 2, Ch. 2 (Stationary Combustion)
The SAMARTH Mission estimates about 750 million tonnes of agro-residue is generated each year, with roughly 228 million tonnes surplus. Government policy encourages ex-situ use of residue, such as pellets and briquettes, over open burning.
Source: MoP SAMARTH Mission FAQ · MoEFCC Parliament answer via PIB (2026)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Ash content | BBI white coal: below 10% (typically 2–8%, batch lab report) · Indian coal: generally 25–45% (Ministry of Coal) |
| Heat value (GCV) | BBI white coal: 3800–4200 Kcal/kg · Coal grades G-11/G-12: 3700–4300 Kcal/kg (Ministry of Coal) |
| Fossil CO₂ per kg | Coal at ~4,000 Kcal/kg: about 1.55 kg CO₂ per kg (CEA). Biomass CO₂ reported separately (IPCC) |
| GST rate | Coal: 18%, ₹400/t cess removed · Biomass briquettes / solid bio-fuel pellets: 5% (both from 22 Sep 2025; confirm on the CBIC rate schedule) |
| Feedstock | Agro-residue and sawdust vs fossil coal |
BBI values are our own specifications, to be confirmed by the batch lab report. Government values are quoted from the sources listed below.
White coal is not always a one-for-one swap. Heat per kg is what matters. Indian coal grades G-11 and G-12 (3700–4300 Kcal/kg) are close to BBI white coal (3800–4200 Kcal/kg), but higher-grade coal carries much more heat per kg. If your process runs on higher-grade coal, you will burn more white coal by weight to deliver the same heat. Very high-temperature or long-burn applications deserve a trial before you switch.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Coal grade G-12 (3700–4000 Kcal/kg) | ~963 kg white coal per tonne of coal |
| Coal grade G-11 (4000–4300 Kcal/kg) | ~1038 kg white coal per tonne of coal |
| Coal grade G-10 (4300–4600 Kcal/kg) | ~1113 kg white coal per tonne of coal |
| Coal grade G-9 (4600–4900 Kcal/kg) | ~1188 kg white coal per tonne of coal |
| Coal grade G-8 (4900–5200 Kcal/kg) | ~1263 kg white coal per tonne of coal |
| Coal grade G-7 (5200–5500 Kcal/kg) | ~1338 kg white coal per tonne of coal |
| Coal grade G-6 (5500–5800 Kcal/kg) | ~1413 kg white coal per tonne of coal |
Calculated from the Ministry of Coal grade bands (band midpoint GCV) against white coal at 4,000 Kcal/kg, at equal boiler efficiency. Burn time and flame temperature also depend on briquette density, feed rate and furnace design, so confirm with a trial in your own equipment.
The Ministry of Power's policy of 7 November 2025 requires coal-based thermal power plants to co-fire a 5% blend of biomass pellets from FY 2025-26, with an additional 2% in the NCR (Ministry of Power — Comprehensive Policy on biomass co-firing (7 Nov 2025)). That obligation is on power plants, not on industrial boilers or kilns, and there is no “approved supplier” status for fuel sellers. Biomass briquettes and solid bio-fuel pellets are listed at 5% GST, and coal at 18% (Notification 9/2025-Central Tax (Rate), Schedule I, S.No. 516 (effective 22 Sep 2025), Ministry of Coal via PIB (22 Sep 2025), 56th GST Council). The 57th GST Council meeting on 8 October 2026 recommended no change to these rates (GST Council — Recommendations of the 57th Meeting (PIB, 8 Oct 2026)). Separately, the Government encourages ex-situ use of crop residue instead of burning it (MoEFCC Parliament answer via PIB (2026)), and BIS has published standards for solid biofuels, including IS 18725:2024 for briquettes (BIS — Compendium of Indian Standards on Solid Biofuels).
We do not claim BIS certification, MNRE approval, "approved supplier" status under the co-firing policy, carbon-credit eligibility or “carbon neutral” status for our fuel. Ask us for a batch lab report and test a 25 MT trial in your own equipment.
Use the fuel cost calculator with your own delivered prices, then request a quote and a lab report. Local supply from our Kadi plant: Kadi, Mehsana, Chhatral, Ahmedabad, Morbi, Surat, Vadodara.
Why should an industry use white coal instead of coal?
The main reasons are far lower ash (Indian coal generally 25–45%; BBI white coal below 10%, typically 2–8% as tested), a similar heat value range (3800–4200 Kcal/kg versus 3700–4300 for grades G-11/G-12), and a renewable agro-residue feedstock. Compare cost per unit of heat using your own delivered prices and a trial order.
Will I need more white coal than coal?
It depends on your coal grade. Against grades G-11/G-12 (3700–4300 Kcal/kg) roughly the same weight is needed. Against higher-grade coal the weight needed is higher, for example about 1.26 times for grade G-8, because each kg of that coal carries more heat. Test a 25 MT trial and use our calculator with your coal GCV.
Is white coal cheaper than coal?
It depends on your delivered coal price and your quoted white coal price. Compare cost per million Kcal, then include ash disposal and cleaning downtime. Our calculator uses only the prices you enter.
What is the GST on white coal compared with coal?
From 22 September 2025, coal is taxed at 18% GST (the ₹400/tonne compensation cess was ended), while biomass briquettes and solid bio-fuel pellets are listed at 5% GST (Notification 9/2025-Central Tax (Rate), Schedule I, S.No. 516). As of 12 October 2026 this is unchanged: the 57th GST Council meeting (8 October 2026) recommended no rate change for these fuels. Rates can change, so confirm on the CBIC GST rate schedule or with your tax advisor.
Is there a government mandate to use biomass?
The Ministry of Power policy of 7 November 2025 requires coal-based thermal power plants to co-fire a 5% blend of biomass pellets from FY 2025-26 (plants in the NCR: 5% plus an additional 2%). That obligation is on power plants. Other industries are not mandated, but may choose biomass fuels.
Is white coal carbon neutral, and can I earn carbon credits?
We do not claim that. Under IPCC accounting, CO₂ from burning biomass is reported separately and not counted in energy-sector totals, while CH₄ and N₂O are counted. Under India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, BEE reports biomass emissions separately as biogenic emissions for entities that are obligated; buying fuel does not itself earn credits, which need a registered project under an approved methodology.
How do I verify quality before buying?
Ask for a batch lab report (GCV, moisture, ash) and run a 25 MT trial in your own boiler or kiln. BIS has published standards for solid biofuel briquettes (IS 18725:2024).
Facts checked on 12 October 2026. Policies and rates change; confirm with the issuing authority before relying on them.